Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has refuted allegations of targeted killings of Christians in the country, insisting that there is no systematic persecution of Christians.
Oluyede made the clarification on Monday after meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA) in Abuja. His statement follows recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused Nigeria of religious persecution and warned that the U.S. could intervene militarily to protect Christians. Trump also redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
Addressing journalists, General Oluyede emphasized that terrorism remains a global security challenge rather than a religiously motivated one.
“Terrorism is a global issue and requires collective effort. Nigeria is open to collaboration with any nation willing to help us counter terrorism within our borders,” he said.
“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria.”
The defence chief noted that insecurity, especially terrorism, has long plagued the country, but assured that the armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly to combat it.
“We’ve been doing our best as a team of security heads to checkmate terrorism in Nigeria,” Oluyede added.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for revamping the nation’s security architecture to enhance operational effectiveness.
“The President recently restructured the security system by appointing officers of proven integrity and expertise in asymmetric warfare,” he said.
Oluyede reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability nationwide.
“We will continue to strengthen our operations and intensify efforts to ensure peace returns to every part of Nigeria,” he concluded.
